Differentiate between open and closed system of stratification.

Even though no stratification system is completely rigid or totally flexible, systems of stratification have been classified into (a) Open and (b) closed system.

1. In an open system of stratification, the boundaries between the levels or strata are relatively more flexible and may be influenced, positively or negatively, by people's achieved statuses.

A person can achieve a status or the basis of individual ability and effort, or merit.

Open systems are assumed to have some degree of social mobility.

Example : America class system is an example of open system of stratification.

2. In a close system, the boundaries between strata and rigid and people's positions are set by their ascribed status. Here status is ascribed to the individuals by society more or less arbitrarily and permanently on the basis of traits over which they have no contol such as the caste status, skin colours, gender or age group etc.

In a closed system social status (or position) is generally hereditary; individual ability and efforts usually do not count.

3. An open system allows social